“They love them as Allah should be loved… but the believers love Allah more.” That “more” is not just quantity — it’s quality, exclusivity, and the foundation of true freedom.
Share this article to spread the understanding of Tawheed al-Mahabbah (Oneness of Love). Reflect on Al-Baqarah 165 today during your recitation and check the temperature of your heart. “They love them as Allah should be loved…
Human love for worldly things often wavers based on benefit or mood. A believer's love for God is constant, existing in times of both ease and hardship. Rationality: Human love for worldly things often wavers based
—rivals or equals to Allah. These aren't always physical idols; they can be anything a person prioritizes above Allah's commands, such as status, wealth, or intense attachment to other people. Exclusive Devotion : A primary feature is the exclusivity of worshipful love ( These aren't always physical idols; they can be
The phrase is a profound Quranic criterion distinguishing īmān (faith) from shirk (associating partners with Allah). It elevates ḥubb (love) from a mere emotion to the core of Islamic theology and practice. Believers are called to constantly examine whether their loves align with Allah’s exclusive right to ultimate devotion, and to cultivate a love for Him that surpasses all others – not in quantity alone, but in constancy, purity, and sacrificial obedience.
Many people "set up rivals" to Allah. This doesn't just mean physical idols; it can include anything—money, status, or people—that someone follows or loves more than they follow Allah.